Voluntary Action Planfor Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society－Results of Fiscal 2020 Follow-up－<Summary>
March 16, 2021
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)
1. Efforts under the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle
Society
Keidanren formulated the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound MaterialCycle Society (“Voluntary Action Plan”) to promote voluntary efforts on the part ofJapan’s business community. Every year, it conducts and publishes a follow-up survey
with cooperation of participating industries (see Reference 1 & 2 for details on its
background). This fiscal year, a follow-up survey was conducted with a total of 45
participating industries.
Under the Voluntary Action Plan, each participating industry takes measures toachieve three types of targets: (1) reductions in the final disposal volume of industrial
waste; (2) other industry-specific targets; and (3) industry-specific plastic-related targets.
In addition to achieving industry-specific targets for reducing the final disposal
volume of industrial waste, with a view to not increasing the final disposal volume ofindustrial waste from the current level, “the Japanese business community as a wholeseeks aims to reduce by fiscal 2020, the final disposal volume of appropriately treatedindustrial waste by 70% from the actual performance level in fiscal 2000 withconsideration of the achievement of a low-carbon society” (Fourth Target, revised in
March 2016).
In addition, based on industry-specific characteristics and circumstances, from theperspective of improving the quality of resource circulation, each industry has set up
individual targets, including target recycling rates for byproducts produced during
manufacturing processes and targets for reducing municipal solid waste from businessactivities.
Furthermore, from fiscal 2019, given rising domestic and global concerns regarding
marine plastic litter issues, Keidanren has set up industry-specific plastic-related targets
in order to promote measures to deal with plastic issues and to widely communicate theefforts made by Japan’s business community.
We conducted a survey on the performance achieved in fiscal 2019 with regard to theprogress made toward meeting the economy-wide and industry-specific targets, thespecific initiatives taken to achieve these targets, and the industry-specific plasticrelated targets that were newly introduced in the previous fiscal year. The survey results
have been compiled in the results fiscal 2020 follow-up herein.

Summary－1

Furthermore, the target year of the current targets is fiscal 2020; therefore, we will
also report the policy of the Voluntary Action Plan for fiscal 2021 and beyond, as wellas the new industry-specific targets. (See “Policy for the Voluntary Action Plan for
Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society from Fiscal 2021” should be referred to.)*Industries participating in the Fiscal 2020 Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle
Society (45 industries)
Electric power, gas, petroleum, iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, aluminum, brass, electric cable and wire,
rubber, flat glass, cement, chemical, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, electrical and electronics, industrial
machinery, bearing, automobiles, auto parts, auto-body, industrial vehicles, rolling stock, shipbuilding, flour,
sugar, milk and dairy products, beverages, beer, construction, aviation, telecommunications, printing (Theabove 32 industries are counted when calculating the industry-wide industrial waste final disposal volume.);housing (Waste from the housing industry is included in that from the construction industry, and therefore
is not added to total in order to avoid double-counting.), real estate, machine tools, trade, department stores,
chain stores, convenience stores, railway, maritime transport, banking, nonlife insurance, securities, life
insurance

Summary－2

2. Results of efforts in fiscal 2019(1) Reduction target for final disposal volume of industrial waste
In fiscal 2019, the final disposal volume of industrial waste (32 industries) wasapproximately 4.03 million tons, approximately 77.8% below the performance level infiscal 2000 (approximately 18.17 million tons), the baseline year (approximately 93.0%
below the fiscal 1990 level), thus overachieving the Plan’s target (cf. Figure 1.).
In fiscal 2019, the final disposal volume of industrial waste marked an increase of
approximately 0.19 million tons (approximately 5.0%) relative to the previous fiscal
year (fiscal 2018 performance). This is assumed to be a consequence of increased
construction work resulting from measures to maintain the functions of important
infrastructure for disaster prevention and mitigation, while industries advanced theirefforts to reduce industrial waste volume and to promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse andrecycle).
Figure 1. Total final disposal volume of industrial waste generated byparticipating industries

Final disposal volume of industrial waste

10,000 tons

[Performance in fiscal 2019]
Final disposal volume of industrial waste: approx. 4.03 Mtons
Approx. 77.8% below performance in FY2000 (approx. 18.17 Mtons)(approx. -70%)(FY)

Summary－3

*1: The rate (%) of reduction from final disposal volume of industrial waste in fiscal 2000 (baselineyear) is provided in round brackets.
*2: Total final disposal volume of industrial waste in 32 industries out of the 45 industries
participating in the Plan.
*3: The figure provided for performance in fiscal 1990 does not include the cement, bearing,shipbuilding, aviation and printing industries.
The figure provided for performance in fiscal 2000 does not include figures for the cement andprinting industries and includes a sum of figures from past reports for the rubber industry.
The five industries mentioned above collectively account for approximately 0.5% of performancein fiscal 2019.
*4: The final disposal volume of industrial waste recorded in fiscal 2019 amounted toapproximately 4.03 million tons, accounting for around 43.2% of total nationwide final disposal
volume of industrial waste, which was approximately 9.31million tons (fiscal 2018, according toMinistry of the Environment survey).
Industrial waste from organizations and companies that are not included in the Keidanren survey
include for example, industrial waste (mainly sludge) from water and sewage works and theceramics industry and industrial waste (animal and plant residue and animal feces) from theagricultural sector, etc.

(2) Industry-specific targets
Industries set up individual targets accommodating industry-specific characteristics
and circumstances and engaged in efforts to achieve them. The targets and performancein fiscal 2019 for each industry are presented in Table 1. (Details can be found in the
Industry-specific Report (Japanese version only)). Keidanren will continue to encourage
industries to set up industry-specific targets that will contribute to improving resource
circulation.

Summary－4

Table 1. List of industry-specific targets[Explanation of targets]○: Quantitative targets□: Qualitative targets〔＊〕: Overachieved targets※Targets are for industrial waste unless otherwise indicated.

Electric power

Gas

Petroleum
Iron and steel
Aluminum
Brass
Electric cable andwire
RubberFlat glass
CementChemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Pulp and paper○ Make efforts to achieve recycling rate of 95% in fiscal 2020
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 98％〔＊〕○ Maintain volume of industrial waste generated at city gas manufacturing plants
at levels not exceeding 1,000 tons through fiscal 2020 (79% below fiscal 2000
level).
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 1,000 tons〔＊〕○ Reduce drilling mud from city gas conduit construction by no less than 17%,
using an integrated indicator that combines drilling mud reduction andrecycling.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 18.3%○ Maintain and continue zero emission (final disposal rate of no more than 1%)
through fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 0.1％〔＊〕○ Achieve steel can recycling rate of at least 90%
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 93.3％〔＊〕○ Maintain aluminum dross recycling rate of no less than 99% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2018: 99.9％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 90% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 95.1％〔＊〕○ Make efforts to maintain a recycling rate of no less than 95% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 94.4%○ Achieve a recycling rate of no less than 70% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 92.9％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 95%.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 87.3％□ Receives large volumes of waste and byproducts accepted by other industries
and utilizes them in cement production.
○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 65% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 69％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 55% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 62.9％〔＊〕○ Improve waste generation intensity in fiscal 2020 to 50% relative to the fiscal
2000 level. (Reduce to a level of no more than 2.2 tons/0.1 billion yen.) Performance in fiscal 2019: 1.9 tons/0.1 billion yen〔＊〕○ Make efforts to maintain current level (97%) of effective utilization.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 98.4%〔＊〕

Summary－5

Electrical andelectronics
Industrial machinery
Bearing
Automobile
Auto parts
Auto-body

Industrial vehicles

Rolling stock

Shipbuilding
Flour
Sugar
Milk and dairy
products
Soft drinks
Beer

Construction

Aviation
Telecommunications
Printing

Housing○ Reduce the final disposal rate to no more than 1.8% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 2.8％
○ Make efforts to achieve recycling rate of no less than 90%.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 90.7％〔＊〕○ Make efforts to achieve recycling rate of no less than 96% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 95.3％○ Maintain recycling rate of no less than 99% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 99.9％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 85% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 84.6％○ Achieve industry participation rate of no less than 95% in terms of sales (ratioof companies of the industry participating in the Voluntary Action Plan).
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 98.1％〔＊〕○ Make efforts to maintain recycling rate of no less than 90% for industrial waste
generated during the manufacturing process.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 91.9％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 99% in fiscal 2020 and make efforts tocome as close to 100% as possible.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 99.9％〔＊〕○ Make efforts to achieve recycling rate of around 86% at the manufacturingphase of shipbuilding in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 79.5％○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 90% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 94.5％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 98% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 95.2％○ Achieve recycling rate of no less than 97% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 97.3％〔＊〕○ Maintain a recycling rate of no less than 99%.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 98.7％○ Maintain 100% recycling rate in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2018: 100％〔＊〕○ Achieve construction sludge recycling rate of no less than 90% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 94.6％○ Achieve a mixed construction waste recycling rate of no less than 60% in 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 63.2％○ Aim to achieve final disposal rate of no less than 2.4% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 4.9％
○ Achieve zero emissions (final disposal rate of no more than 1%) for waste fromtelecommunications facilities.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 0.07％〔＊〕○ Achieve recycling rate of no more than 95% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 98.4％〔＊〕○ Aim to achieve the following category-specific recycling rates in fiscal 2015
and beyond:Concrete: 96％; wood: 70％; steel: 92％
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 87.0％ (weighted average of the 3 categories)

Summary－6

Real estate

Machine tools

Trade○ Aim to achieve paper recycling rate of no less than 85% in fiscal 2020. Make
efforts to maintain recycling rate of 100% for glass bottles, cans and PET
bottles.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 85.1％
 Performance in fiscal 2019: paper 87.0% 〔＊〕; glass bottles 100％〔＊〕;
cans 100％〔＊〕; PET bottles 100％〔＊〕□ Improve purchasing rate of recycled paper.
□ Improve green procurement rate.


Achieve recycling rate of no less than 90% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 91.0%〔＊〕Reduce disposal volume of municipal solid waste from business activities by
86% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 83.1%
Reduce volume of municipal solid waste from business activities by 55% fromfiscal 2000 level (to no more than 4,000 tons).
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 3,800 tons〔＊〕Department storesRailway

Maritime transport

Achieve recycling rate of 94% for waste from stations and railcars.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 93％
Achieve recycling rate of 96% for waste generated at General Rolling Stock
Centers, etc.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 95%
Achieve recycling rate of 96% for waste generated in facility construction.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 93%□ Appropriately manage waste in accordance with international standards.
□ Make efforts to control waste generation.
Banking

Aim to reduce final disposal volume (per 1m2) of waste generated in stores by
60% from year 2000 level in 2030.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 53.6% reduction
Reduce intensity (volume used per unit sales) of paper containers andpackaging (wrapping paper, carrier bags, paper bags, paper boxes) use by 50%
relative to year 2000 levels in 2030.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 40.4% reductionAchieve paper recycling rate of no less than 90% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 91.3％〔＊〕
Increase purchasing rate of recycled paper and environment-friendly paper tono less than 75% in fiscal 2020.
 Performance in fiscal 2019: 77.6％〔＊〕

Summary－7

Non-life insurance

Securities

Life insurance□ At individual insurance companies,
1. Establish a corporate waste management scheme to promote reductions inmunicipal solid waste from business activities generated at offices andcollaborate with waste collection companies to ensure segregated collection
and improve recycling rate.
2. Make efforts to purchase office supplies that contribute to increasing theutilization rate of environment-friendly products.
3. Reduce OA paper use through efforts made toward achieving corporate
targets including the active utilization of two-sided copying, 2in1 copying,tablet devices, etc.
□ Reach out to society through automobile insurance.
Promote use of recycled auto parts.
□ Make efforts to reduce paper use and thus promote resource conservation
measures by utilizing two-sided copying and 2in1 copying and promoting
paperless operations by digitalizing documents.
□ Make efforts to reduce environmental burden and to recycle resources bypromoting the use of paper manufactured using methods that reduce
environmental burden and ensuring segregated waste collection.
□□□□

Make efforts to reduce paper use by promoting paperless practices.
Make efforts to engage in green procurement of paper and office supplies.
Make efforts to engage in fully segregated waste collection.
Make efforts that will lead to the reuse of paper and other resources.

Summary－8

【Reference】
Furthermore, given the announcement of the Keidanren Proposal “Toward theEstablishment of an Effective Recycling System for Containers and Packaging”(October 2005), in March 2006, the Liaison Committee of Associations Promoting 3R,
comprising eight containers and packaging recycling organizations, formulated the“Voluntary Action Plan for Promoting the 3Rs in Containers and Packaging.” Under thePlan, the Liaison Committee has set up individual targets for each material type ofcontainer or packaging and conducts annual follow-up surveys, renewing target levels,
as required.
According to the “Voluntary Action Plan for Promoting the 3Rs in Containers andPackaging 2020 Follow-Up Results (Performance in fiscal 2019)” (December 2020),
the recycling and collection rates of steel cans, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes
have remained above 90%, thus steadily achieving success. (see Table 2.)1.
Regarding plastics, a recycling rate of approximately 85% were achieved for PET
bottles, which have become 24.8% lighter per bottle compared to fiscal 2004 levels. The
3Rs are also being promoted for plastic resources, succeeding in cumulative reductionsof plastic packaging and containers by 17.6 % from fiscal 2005 levels (see Figure 2.).
Table 2. Status of recycling targets
Material

Indicator

Glass bottles
PET bottles
Steel cans

Recycling rate

Aluminum cans
Plastic containers
and packaging

Recycling rate

Paper containers
and packaging
Paper containers
for beverages
Cardboard boxes

Collection rate

Fiscal 2020 target

Fiscal 2019
performance<Reference>
Fiscal 2018
performance

No less than 70％

67.6％(68.9％)

No less than 85％85.8％(84.6％)

No less than 90％

93.3％(92.0％)

No less than 90％

97.9％(93.6％)

No less than 46％

46.4％(45.4％)

No less than 28%

26.6％(27.0％)

No less than 50％

41.4％(42.5％)

No less than 95％

94.6％(96.1％)<Source: Liaison Committee of Associations Promoting 3R>

1

Refer to the Liaison Committee of Associations Promoting 3R website for details: http://www.3r-

suishin.jp

Summary－9

(FY)Plastic containers and packaging
reduction rate

PET bottle weight reduction rate

Figure 2. Weight reduction rate of PET bottles and reduction rate of plastic
containers and packaging(FY)<Source: compiled by Keidanren based on figures published by the
Liaison Committee of Associations Promoting 3R>(3) Industry-specific plastic-related targets and other efforts
In August 2018, Keidanren compiled and published “Opinion on formulating ‘Japan’s
Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics,’” covering the Japanese business
community’s basic approach and views on future measures regarding marine plastic
litter issues faced at the global level and domestic plastic resource circulation2. In theOpinion, we included our intentions to “discuss how to enhance the Keidanren
Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society in a more
plastic-conscious way.”
Based on the Keidanren Opinion, organizations and companies participating in the
Keidanren Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society
considered targets that would contribute to solving marine plastic litter issues andpromote plastic resource circulation from the perspective of deepening voluntary
approaches by the business community and expanding the horizons of such efforts. As
a result, in April 2019, each industry set up “industry-specific plastic-related targets.” Infiscal 2020, 40 industries announced a total of 85 diverse targets as given in Table 3 anda follow-up survey was conducted against these targets.
Furthermore, industries have also been engaged in efforts that have not been listed astargets, such as beach and river cleanups, outreach efforts using workshops and posters,
promoting the use of alternative materials, and distributing reusable shopping bags. (Fordetails and the follow-up results, see the“Industry-specific Report.”)With a view to the growing global importance of marine plastic litter issues and thechallenges related to promoting plastic resource circulation, Keidanren will seek to
2

For details, see: http://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2018/098.html

Summary－10

further enhance targets, while also promoting understanding for the efforts made by theJapanese business community by widely communicating both domestically andoverseas the voluntary approaches taken by these industries.
Table 3. Industry-specific plastic-related targets[Explanation of targets]【Quan〇】: Quantitative target〖Qual〇〗: Qualitative target〔＊〕: Overachieved targets※For details, see the “Industry-specific Report.”

Electric power〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗

Promote recycling of materials, including plastic wastes
Promote beautification and cleanup activities【Quan①】

Aim for 100% effective utilization of used polyethylene gas
pipes, including thermal recovery by fiscal 2030
➢98.6% (Fiscal 2019)Gas【Quan①】Petroleum〖Qual①〗【Quan①】

Achieve 100% implementation rate of systems ensuring
segregated waste collection at each company (office) in fiscal
2020➢50.4% (fiscal 2019)
Proactively engage in litter cleanup activities, including
cleanups of plastic litter, in public spaces (roads, beaches, etc.)
Assuming that a legal system that further promotes theformulation of a sound material-cycle society will beestablished and that a collection system will be establishedunder Government leadership, make efforts with an aim to use 1
Mt waste plastics annually.
Note: revision of Commitment to a Low Carbon Society Phase 1 (2020target) (from Iron and Steel WG Report on February 17, 2017)
・The Association has aimed to reduce emissions by 2 Mt-CO2 by
expanding feedstock recycling of waste plastics at steel plants(utilization of 1 million tons), assuming that a collection system would
be established under Government leadership.
・In the May 2016 “Report on Evaluation and Study of the
Implementation Status of the Containers and Packaging Recycling
System,” the Association decided to “continue to prioritize recycling for
50% of material” and to conduct a review “in around 5 years.”・Given that the newly decided policy has made it extremely difficult toincrease the utilization of waste plastics to 1 Mt in 2020 under thecurrent circumstances, only increases in the volume of collected waste
plastics, etc, relative to fiscal 2005 levels will be counted as reductions.

Iron and steel➢450,000 tons (fiscal 2019)Non-ferrous metals〖Qual①〗

Reduce plastic wastes and promote recycling

Summary－11

Aluminum【Quan①】

Maintain current plastic waste recycling rate through fiscal 2030
and aim to achieve higher rates.

【Quan①】

Maintain plastic waste recycling rate of no less than 85%
through fiscal 2030.
➢90% (fiscal 2019)【Quan①】

Limit final waste disposal volumes of plastic and rubber wastes
to below current levels (baseline year: fiscal 2019)
Enhance information-sharing among members

BrassElectric cable andwire
RubberCementChemicalPharmaceuticals〖Qual①〗【Quan①】

Maintain plastic waste recycling rate of no less than 85%
through fiscal 2030.

〖Qual①〗

Increase receipt and treatment of plastic wastes[JPIF] Encourage a wider range of companies to takemeasures to prevent resin pellet spill【Quan①】[JPIF] Increase the number of companies and organizations
participating in the campaign to announce declarations towards【Quan②】 resolving marine plastic litter issues➢Currently, 54 companies and 16organizations have declaredmeasures.
〖Qual①〗 [JPIF] Conduct awareness-raising campaigns regarding marine
plastic litter issues (host lectures, send lecturers)〖Qual②〗 [JPIF] Coordinate academic research on marine plastic litter
issues〖Qual③〗 [JCIA LRI] Evaluate exposure or risk of environmentalorganisms to chemical substances absorbed by microplastics〖Qual④〗 [JCIA LRI] Clarify the mechanism of microplastics generation〖Qual⑤〗 [JaIME (Japan Initiative for Marine Environment)] Organize
training seminars for dissemination in Asia
〖Qual⑥〗 [JaIME (Japan Initiative for Marine Environment)] Verify theeffectiveness of energy recovery〖Qual⑦〗 [JaIME (Japan Initiative for Marine Environment)] Conduct
domestic awareness-raising campaigns: Widespread anddeepened awareness that plastic is made from limited resources
and thus bear value, will lead to the prevention of littering.
【Quan①】 Achieve plastic waste recycling rate of 65% in fiscal 2030.
➢59.1% (fiscal 2019)〖Qual①〗
Pulp and paper〖Qual②〗〖Qual①〗
Electrical andelectronics〖Qual②〗Develop and supply biodegradable materials from paper pulp
Accelerate the replacement of plastics by improving thefunctionality of existing paper products.

Promote lifecycle design and material circulation measures of
products and packaging considering the 3Rs.
Promote the 3Rs of plastic wastes in production.
Implement measures, including cleanups, addressing marine
plastic litter issues that contribute to biodiversity.

〖Qual③〗

Summary－12

【Quan①】

Make efforts to achieve recycling rate of no less than 96% forwaste, including plastic waste in fiscal 2030.
➢95.3% (fiscal 2019)【Quan①】

Maintain recycling rate of no less than 99% for all industrial
waste generated at factories through fiscal 2020.
➢99.9% (fiscal 2019)〔＊〕Continue and maintain recycling rate of no less than 90% forautomobile shredder residue through fiscal 2030.
➢ 95+% at each company (fiscal 2019)〔＊〕Bearing

Automobiles【Quan②】【Quan①】【Quan②】
Auto parts〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗【Quan①】
Auto-bodyAchieve final disposal volume of 45,000 t or less for industrial
waste in fiscal 2020. (equivalent to 68% reduction from fiscal
2000 level)➢34,000 tons (fiscal 2019)〔＊〕
Achieve recycling rate of no less than 85% for all byproducts(industrial waste, valuable waste) generated at factories, etc. infiscal 2020.
➢84.6% (fiscal 2019)
Make efforts to promote the development and design ofautomobile parts with a view to improving the recyclability ofdisused automobiles and to improve the quality of 3R activities,
including resource circulation
Collect corporate waste reduction cases from member
companies and share information to promote waste reduction
Reduce final disposal volume of industrial waste by 89%
relative to the fiscal 2000 level in fiscal 2020.
➢89% reduction (fiscal 2018)〔＊〕【Quan①】

Rolling stock〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗

Achieve recycling rate of no less than 99% for industrial waste(including plastics) in 2020 and make efforts to come as close
as possible to reaching 100%.
➢99.9% (fiscal 2019)〔＊〕Promote proper treatment of plastic waste in business operations
Change cushioning material from plastic to other materials

Summary－13

〖Qual①〗

Shipbuilding【Quan①】
Flour【Quan②】

Achieve plastic waste recycling rate of no less than 90% infiscal 2030.
➢84.7% (fiscal 2019
Reduce final waste disposal volume of plastic waste to below 65
tons➢76.0 tons (fiscal 2019)【Quan①】

Achieve plastic waste recycling rate of no less than 99% (forsmall package products) in fiscal 2030.
➢93.8% (fiscal 2019)〖Qual①〗

Design products to minimize the use of plastic in containers andpackaging.
Promote the use of environment-friendly materials as raw
material for plastics used in containers and packaging.
Facilitate the recycling of waste plastics generated frommanufacturing processes by using recycling operators.

Sugar

Milk and dairy
products

The shipbuilding industry appropriately treats all plastic waste(packing material, blue tarps, PET bottles, hoses, etc.)
generated from business operations. The industry will continue
proper waste treatment and take the following measures with aview to make further improvements:
・ Encourage member companies to perform outreach on
environmental conservation and plastic waste-related
activities.
・ Collect case studies of environmental conservation efforts,
including cleanups and workshops, made by each company
and share them outside the industry.
・ Introduce new trends regarding plastic wastes at theEnvironmental Task Force, joined by member companies,
and exchange information regarding advanced measurestaken in other industries and individual corporate efforts
through site visits and various meetings.

〖Qual②〗〖Qual③〗【Quan①】【Quan②】【Quan③】
Soft drinks〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗〖Qual③〗

PET bottle weight reduction rate of no less than 25% in fiscal
2030 (baseline year: fiscal 2004)➢24.8％ (fiscal 2019)
PET bottle recycling rate of no less than 85% in fiscal 2030
➢85.8％ (fiscal 2019)
PET bottle effective utilization rate of 100% in fiscal 2030
➢98％ (fiscal 2019)The Soft Drink Industry’s Plastic Resource Circulation
Declaration
Awareness-raising campaigns against littering of containers
Establishing an effective collection system to achieve acollection rate of 100%

Summary－14

【Quan①】

Beer〖Qual①〗〖Qual①〗
Construction〖Qual②〗〖Qual①〗
Aviation〖Qual②〗〖Qual③〗

Telecommunications

Effectively utilize 100% of all used plastics generated during
production (or final disposal volume of 0 tons), as a part ofefforts to achieve a recycling rate of 100% for all byproducts
and waste generated during the production of beer, etc. at allbeer factories of the five member companies of the Brewers
Association of Japan in fiscal 2030.
➢All byproducts and waste is 100% recycled (fiscal 20002019) 〔＊〕
Support the promotion of Town Beautification and Adopt
Program activities and awareness-raising campaigns for litter
prevention through the Beverage Industry Environment
Beautification Association.
Implement promotional and outreach campaigns, including
making posters describing how to segregate waste, in order toensure implementation of measures to address plastic waste
issues at construction sites.
Survey the types and ratio of plastic waste generated in theconstruction of new buildings and consider effective measures
to reduce waste generation.
Promote the segregation of plastic waste at offices and airports
Reuse and reduce plastic products used on flights and at
airports.
Replace plastic products used on flights and at airports withenvironment-friendly materials.

〖Qual①〗

Promote the utilization of used plastics from removed
telecommunication facilities【Quan①】

Aim to maintain a final disposal rate of 0.67% (actual
performance in fiscal 2019) against total amount of waste
plastics generated
Further promote waste reduction of single-use containers andpackaging in the near-term through collaboration with upstream
and downstream industries of the supply chain.
Aim to design plastic containers and packaging that aretechnically easy to segregate and at the same time reusable orrecyclable, while also ensuring their functionality.

〖Qual①〗Printing〖Qual②〗【Quan①】
Real estate〖Qual①〗

Maintain a recycling rate of 100% for plastic waste generated atbuildings used for the industry’s own business operations
through fiscal 2030.
➢98.7% (fiscal 2019)
Improve the green procurement rate of products purchased inbuildings used for the industry’s business operations.

Summary－15

【Quan①】〖Qual①〗
Trade〖Qual②〗

Aim to achieve 100% segregated disposal of PET bottles at each
office at the end of fiscal 2020.
➢100% implementation rate (fiscal 2019)〔＊〕Make industry-wide efforts to handle products and promotebusiness that contribute to the reduction, reuse and recycling ofplastics.
Organize an annual forum for member companies to exchange
information on corporate initiatives addressing plastic-related
issues and make an effort to expand initiatives.
Ensure the promotion of the 3Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle) of
plastics used in the cafeterias at each corporate location.

〖Qual③〗

Department stores【Quan①】

Aim to reduce the volume of plastic containers and packaging
used by 50% in terms of intensity (volume of use per unit sales)in 2030 relative to the 2000 baseline level.
➢44.2% reduction (fiscal 2019)

Chain stores【Quan①】

Aim to achieve plastic shopping bag refusal rate of no less than80%” by fiscal 2030.
➢44.2% reduction (March 2020)

Convenience stores【Quan①】

Aim to achieve “shopping bag refusal rate of no less than 30%”
by fiscal 2020.

【Quan①】【Quan②】
Railway〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗

Replace plastic shopping bags (around 240 million bags usedannually) with bags made from biomass-based material at retailstores directly managed by relevant JR East Group companies
that offer customers plastic shopping bags.
 Completed by September 2020
Replace plastic straws (around 30 million straws used annually)
with straws made from paper or biodegradable material at retailstores directly managed by relevant JR East Group companies
that offer customers plastic straws.
 Completed by March 2020
Promote recycling by installing segregated garbage bins at
stations and separately collect PET bottles with the cooperationof customers.
Promote customer understanding of the measures taken by the
JR East Group to reduce plastics and encourage behavioral
change of customers themselves.

Summary－16

【Quan①】【Quan②】
Banking〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗

Nonlife insurance〖Qual①〗〖Qual②〗

Encourage employees to bring their own bags and drink bottles.
Prohibit the use of plastic cups and straws at employee
cafeterias or replace them with paper products.

〖Qual①〗

With a view to plastic resource circulation and measures toprevent the outflow of plastics into the ocean, make efforts to
reduce environmental burden and to reuse resources by ensuring
the segregated collection of waste, etc.

Securities〖Qual①〗
Life insurance

Engage in segregated collection of used PET bottles at 100% ofmember banks in fiscal 2030.
➢96% (fiscal 2019)Engage in clean-ups and other measures to reduce marine
plastic litter at 100% of member banks in fiscal 2030.
➢45% (fiscal 2019)
The banking industry will engage in the effective use ofresources and waste reduction.
The banking industry will actively support companies that takemeasures to address plastic-related issues in line withgovernment policy.

Make efforts to reduce environmental burden by reducing theamount of resources, including plastic resources, required toperform business operations, as well as by promoting therecycling of resources.

Summary－17

(4) Other efforts towards establishing a sound material-cycle society
In addition to efforts under self-determined industry-specific targets, industries areengaged in efforts exemplified in Table 4. (For details, see “Efforts towards establishinga sound material-cycle society” in the Industry-specific Report (Japanese version only).)
Table 4. Examples of efforts towards establishing a sound material-cycle society
Efforts to reduce environmental burden through product life cycles
・ Effective utilization of waste and byproducts(use as feedstock, etc.)
・ Effective utilization of used products (reuse,recycle, etc.)
・ Design products that are easy to recycle
・ Visualize environmental effects byimplementing product LCA
・ Jointly develop recycling technologies withother industries
・ Introduce in-house certification programs for
products featuring reduced environmental
burden・ Improve resource utilization efficiency bystreamlining manufacturing processes
・ Promote the proper implementation of various
recycling laws
・ Introduce maintenance-free and simplified
products
・ Consider labelling programs for environmentfriendly products
・ Recover rare metals from electronics

・ Effective utilization of packing material
・ Establish recycling routes through collaboration
across the supply chain
・ Promote the utilization of recycled products
・ Receive and treat waste from other industries
and contribute to reducing final disposal
volumes・ Appropriately select waste treatment
businesses
・ Formulate and implement product assessment
manuals
・ Produce smaller, more lightweight and longer
lifetime products
・ Omit and simplify packing and introduce
returnable packing material
・ Proactively utilize certified paper and certified
products
・ Adopt buildings with high efficiency, including
high insulation

Development of new technologies and products

Summary－18

・ Develop technologies to streamline large-scaleconstruction works
・ Develop and utilize cogeneration technologies
・ Establish material circulation systems
・ Develop products free of harmful substances
・ Develop technologies to recycle used lithiumion batteries
・ Develop dechlorination technologies for
products with high chloride concentration
・ Develop efficient waste treatment equipment
・ Develop recyclability assessment methods
・ Develop cellulose nanofiber technologies
・ Conserve water by using remotely monitored
toilets

・
・
・
・
・
・

・ Develop technologies to utilize biomass
・ Develop technologies to recover energy fromwaste
・ Develop new recycling processes
・ Generate power using biogas from waste
・ Develop CFRP recycling technologies
・ Develop lightweight containers and packaging
material and utilize recycled material
・ Develop recyclable containers and packaging
・ Develop technologies to utilize used oil
・ Develop CFC-free technologies
・ Develop and utilize image-based consolidated
management systems for waste treatment
processes

International contribution / overseas activities
Promote export of waste-utilizing products・ Support overseas application of JIS standards
Support introduction of recycling systems
・ Develop returnable packing for overseas
Conduct training programs on waste treatment
shipping
for overseas trainees
・ Cooperate in JICA group training programs
Conduct waste management education at
・ Implement overseas CO2 reduction support
overseas corporate locations
projects
Provide biomass power generation boilers to・ Perform environmental education at elementary
Southeast Asia, etc.
schools in Southeast Asia, etc.
Consider local tax systems and green
・ Engage in overseas tree-planting activities
procurement

Other
・ Engage in beautification and cleanup activities
in rivers, beaches and road・ Promote paperless operation throughdigitization
・ Receive RPF from other industries
・ Conduct composting of food waste fromcafeterias・ Create valuable resources by shredding
confidential documents
・ Promote waste segregation at the office・ Reduce paper use by duplex copying andmicrocopying・ Standardize waste-utilizing products (develop
JIS standards)
・ Cooperate in treating disaster-related waste
treatment
・ Reuse paper and cardboard boxes
・ Review the packing of procured parts
・ Communicate environment-related information
on websites, etc.
・ Participate in environment-related events・ Conduct segregated collection of PET bottles

3. Challenges to be addressed in the near future for establishing a Sound Material-

Summary－19

Cycle Society(1) Potential for reducing final disposal volumes of industrial waste
As aforementioned, efforts by individual industries have led to the achievement of
reductions in the final disposal volume of industrial waste by approximately 93.0%
relative to the fiscal 1990 level. As a result, the years of remaining capacity at final
disposal sites improved from 1.7 years in fiscal 1990 to 16.4 years in 2017 (see Figure
3).
Figure 3. Trends in the years of remaining capacity at final disposal sites forindustrial waste(Mm2)(years)Remaining
years

Remaining years

Remaining capacity

Remaining
capacity(FY)<Source: Ministry of the Environment>

However, in recent years, the potential for reducing final disposal volumes ofindustrial waste is nearing its limits and the rate of reduction is slowing down. Some
industries have already achieved recycling rates close to 100% for industrial waste intheir resource circulation efforts and some industries embrace wastes that are difficult
to recycle. Further reductions would require a consideration of other factors, including
increased energy consumption caused by recycling. Moreover, we must also pay
attention to the potential drivers of increases in final disposal volumes of various
industrial waste, including potential increases in construction works for disasterprevention and reduction and aging infrastructure.
Furthermore, in the cement industry, which contributes to the reduction of final waste
disposal by utilizing waste and byproducts from other industries in cement production,
the volume of waste and byproducts accepted by the cement industry has remained
stagnant in recent years (see Figure 4.).

Summary－20

Figure 4. Trends in the utilization of waste and byproducts in the cement
industry(10000 tons)(kg/t-cement)
Cement production
Volume of waste & byproducts
used

Volume of waste & byproducts used per 1t cement(FY)<Source: Japan Cement Association>(2) Challenges to be addressed in the near future
The promotion of measures towards a sound material-cycle society has become
increasingly important not only in Japan, with limited domestic resource availability,
but also worldwide, as growing resource constraints are forecasted on a global scale due
to increased population and economic growth.
Japan has been very successful in its endeavors, with the enactment of various
recycling laws, such as the Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society,supported by active public cooperation, as well as the efforts of stakeholders, including
the national government, local governments, the business community and non-profit
organizations.
Internationally, there is growing interest in a transition from the conventional linear
economy characterized by mass production, mass consumption and mass disposal to acircular economy. This approach seeks to achieve economic growth by integrating theentire cycle of procurement, feedstock input, production/distribution, consumption/use,
and collection/recycling into our socioeconomic activities and effectively utilizing
resources, thus creating new businesses. It follows the same path as the approach thatJapan has taken to date toward achieving a sound material-cycle society.
Furthermore, with marine plastic litter issues receiving increased attention in Japanand overseas, at the G20 Summit, which was chaired by Japan in June 2019,
governments reached agreement on the G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on
Marine Plastics Litter and shared the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision under the leadership of

Summary－21

the Japanese Government. These documents do not prohibit the use of particular plastic
products; instead, they acknowledge the social importance of plastic and set out a life
cycle approach that encourages the smart use of plastics and controlling the outflow ofplastic waste into the ocean.
Marine plastic litter issues are global issues that need to be resolved by promoting the
3Rs by securing the proper treatment of waste, preventing the outflow of waste plastics
into the oceans and avoiding to the maximum extent possible their landfilling.
Acknowledging the above, Japan can contribute to solving global plastic resource
circulation issues by engaging in international cooperation, drawing upon its
outstanding efforts, including the data, technologies and knowhow accumulated throughits experiences to date, and contributing to proper waste treatment and the promotion of
the 3Rs in developing countries.
On the other hand, given the recent implementation and strengthening of import
restrictions on plastic waste in China and other emerging countries, plastic resource
circulation has become a global challenge. Affected by these import restrictions, Japanis also faced with the increased domestic distribution of waste plastics, which areoverloading relevant facilities3. In the follow-up survey results for this fiscal year, somerelevant industries reported that because recycling business operators have stopped feebased acceptance of waste, reduced the amount of waste accepted, or raised waste
treatment fees, industries had no choice but to increase final disposal volumes ofindustrial waste. Japan is challenged with the urgent need to re-establish its plastic
resource circulation system.
Under these circumstances, with a view to address various new challenges, Keidanren
has decided to continue this Plan in fiscal 2021 and beyond and promote voluntary
approaches taken by the business community toward building a sound material-cycle
society. Pursuing transition to a circular economy, the business community will engage
in proactive and voluntary efforts that will lead to the creation and promotion of
innovation and enhanced competitiveness, while enhancing their industry-specificreduction targets and industrial-specific plastic-related targets with a view to improving
the quality of resource circulation, in addition to continuing their efforts to reduce final
disposal volumes of industrial waste. (For details, see“Policy for the Voluntary Action
Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society from Fiscal 2021”)
To this end, roles must be appropriately shared among not only the business
community but also various actors, including national and local governments, business
operators, NPOs and citizens. It is important that each actor fulfills its role in partnership3

For details, see Ministry of the Environment website: https://www.env.go.jp/press/106088.html

Summary－22

with other actors. In particular, in light of the fact that the further promotion of the 3Rs
approaching its limits under current technology levels and legal system, it is essentialthat the Government improves and reviews the administration of the regulatory
framework and offers policy support (see Appendix 1 “Main requests from individual
industries to the national and local governments”).
Guided by the basic principle of“delivering on the SDGs through the Realization ofSociety 5.0.,” Keidanren will continue to engage in a wide range of innovations,
including not only technological innovations, such as developing new feasible low-cost
technologies, but also lifestyle transformations through collaboration and cooperation
among various sectors and strata of society. Furthermore, we will promote “Integrated
Environmental Corporate Management,” addressing climate change countermeasuresand biodiversity conservation activities, as well as resource circulation measures, as
critical business management issues in performing business operations.

Summary－23

<Appendix 1>

Main requests from individual industries to the national and local
governments(from the “Industry-specific Report”)〔Electric power〕○ Promotion of circular use through the committed handling of fly ash (JIS ash) sothat it is not deemed “waste.”〔Gas〕○ Increased reuse of excavated soil as backfill in excavations of community roads
and small-scale piping construction〔Iron and steel〕○ Early formulation of concrete measures by the government to increase the volume
of collected waste plastics○ Fundamental review of tender system, including the policy that prioritizes material
recycling〔Electric cable and wire〕○ Measures that facilitate access to information on waste treatment and recycling
business operators overseas〔Rubber〕○ Abolishment of notification system for taking waste beyond prefectural borders
and introduction of an industrial waste collection and transport permit effective
nationwide○ Unification of measures taken by individual prefectures in response to
notifications○ Promotion of acceptance of industrial waste at municipal solid waste treatment
facilities〔Flat glass〕○ Development and revision of laws for glass-to-glass recycling of used glass〔Cement〕○ Unification of application formats for permits for industrial waste treatment○ Revision of recycling permit system from a heat recovery perspective○ Resolution of impediments to transporting waste across wide areas in order tobuild a nationwide recycling network at the national level.
○ Provision in the Ordinance for Enforcement that if in the event of a disaster, thedebris from the disaster exceeds the capacity of municipal facilities and the local
government requests treatment at facilities outside the prefecture, treatment of theSummary－24

“debris” is not limited to “crushing” but can include “incineration / calcination.”○ Exemption of reporting changes in “5% shareholders” for fund management
purposes in industrial waste collection/trade and treatment businesses○ Establishment of waste plastic energy recovery as a recycling method○ Revision of plastic containers and packaging recycling guidelines○ Streamlining of procedures for preliminary consultation on receiving waste fromother prefecture〔Chemical〕○ Deregulation related to promoting recycling under the Waste Management andPublic Cleansing Act (issuance of control manifest, commissioning to collection
and transport contractors, administrative reporting, issuing permits for wide-arearecycling facilities)○ Promotion of use of liquid slag in public works〔Pharmaceuticals〕○ Introduction of subsidies for installing waste treatment facilities and waste
utilization facilities○ Support for waste plastic recycling operators○ Support across the supply chains to promote the development of industrial waste
recycling technologies○ Support in finding operators that are ready to receive waste plastics○ Subsidies are required for the reduction of final disposal volumes, which entail
increased costs〔Pulp and paper〕○ Revision of regulations on receiving industrial waste from other prefectures〔Electrical and electronics〕○ Wider target scope of subsidies and increased subsidy amounts for installinginhouse treatment facilities○ Subsidies for activities related to segregated waste disposal○ Subsidies for the introduction of high-efficiency waste treatment facilities by waste
treatment contractors○ Consideration of preferential treatment, such as tax incentives and subsidies, for
the utilization of recycled resources○ Reduction of burdens and mitigating the obligation to make best efforts related toconfirming the treatment status in commissioned waste treatment○ Penalization of breach of law and proactive promotion of awareness-raising andeducational activities○ Strengthened control over illegal dumping and waste treatment○ Relaxing of various regulations for the promotion of plastic waste treatment

Summary－25

○ Abolishment and mitigation of regulations on receiving waste: and streamlining
and acceleration of procedures○ Further deregulation including extending special provisions for waste treatment
arrangements between parent companies and subsidiaries to those between groupsubsidiaries○ Promotion of support for increased recycling of components related to products,
packaging and transport○ Establishment of a system for local government-led collection of valuables
regionally generated (from industrial parks with small-scale businessestablishments)〔Automobiles〕○ Support for the development of recycling technologies for CFRP waste○ Deregulation of the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law to enable
recycling operators of industrial waste to handle municipal solid waste, provided thesame goods will be recycled, under the wide-area permit system〔Auto parts〕○ Early establishment of a domestic resource recycling scheme for waste plastics○ Integration of requests from local governments, ministries and agencies, and tradeorganizations to investigate waste management and treatment○ Streamlining double regulation by national and local waste-related laws
○ Support and measures for the increased use of recycled resources and measures toincrease demand for products made from recycled resources○ Deregulation for efficient waste treatment including group companies from otherprefectures〔Rolling stock〕〇 Subsidies for PCB waste treatment and updating equipment; and extension ofdeadline for treatment〔Shipbuilding〕○ Categorization of commercial municipal solid waste (paper waste, wood waste,
kitchen waste, etc.) from factories as industrial waste〔Flour〕○ Improving the environment for recycling commercial municipal solid waste〔Milk and dairy products〕○ Expansion of special provisions under the Waste Management and Public
Cleansing Act (transport permits, etc.)〔Soft drinks〕○ Enhance public awareness among consumers regarding how to appropriately treat
containers and packaging after use○ Communication of marine plastic litter issues so that accurate information will reach
Summary－26

consumers〔Construction〕○ Understanding the recycling status of intermediate waste treatment operators○ Concentrated management of electronic data on waste treatment○ Assessment of “market value” when determining whether something fits thedefinition of “waste”〔Printing〕○ Given import restrictions on waste plastics, increased domestic capacity of waste
plastic treatment, grants and subsidies to build treatment facilities, andderegulation○ Collaboration with the government through campaigns to reduce wastefulness andloss, in order not to dispose of unnoticed goods that are still functional as defective
goods○ Grants for the use of recycled products○ Government support for development and further deployment of technologies fortransition to biodegradable films, biomass plastic, recycled plastic and paper○ Communication on “marine plastic litter issues” by the national and local
governments that plastic itself is not evil
〔Housing〕〇（Tentative name）Establishment of a New Lifestyle Point System○ Securing a grant budget for ZEH and system operations in line with the actual
situation〔Trade〕○ Policies that encourage the increased lifespan of products with large carbon stocks○ Policies that encourage the use of thermal insulation material using materials withlarge carbon stocks○ Provision of incentives for companies and retailers that are engaged in the
reduction of single-use plastics and deployment of biomass plastics○ Exemption from the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act whencommissioning the transport of collected waste PET bottles to designated recycling
facilities○ Stricter regulations on plastic recycling and waste reduction○ Exemption/mitigation of recycling fees payable when trading in household
appliances for a given period of time
〔Railway〕○ Identification and coordination of local differences in waste segregation andcollection schemes

Summary－27

＜Reference 1＞

Background of the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound
Material-Cycle Society
1. Formulating the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on Waste
Disposal Measures) and setting up an economy-wide target (first target).
In April 1991, Keidanren compiled the Keidanren Global Environment Charter inwhich it declared that it would promote voluntary and active efforts for environmental
conservation. Based on this Charter, in 1997, Keidanren formulated the Voluntary Action
Plan on the Environment to address waste disposal issues with the participation of 35
industries and incorporated industry-specific quantitative targets and concrete measures
for the achievement of targets. Keidanren has followed up on the progress achieved ineach industry every fiscal year thenceforth.
In December 1999, it set up a target covering the entire business community to enhance
voluntary industrial efforts: 75% below the fiscal 1990 performance level of final disposal
volume of industrial waste in fiscal 2010 (First Target)
2. Upgrading to “Section on the Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle Society”
and renewing the economy-wide target (March 2007)
The business community continued to achieve its economy-wide fiscal 2010 target set
up in 1999 for four consecutive years from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2005 prior to the target
year. Therefore, in March 2007, Keidanren revised the Voluntary Action Plan on theEnvironment (Section on Waste Disposal Measures) to the Voluntary Action Plan on theEnvironment (Section on the Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle Society), which
aimed to promote a wide range of efforts reaching beyond waste disposal measures
toward a sound material-cycle society. This was accompanied by a renewal of targets:(1) Reviewing the economy-wide target (reduction target for final disposal volume
of industrial waste)
The economy-wide target was renewed to: 86% below the fiscal 1990 performancelevel of final disposal volume of industrial waste in fiscal 2010 (Second Target).
Keidanren decided to continue to call for reductions in the final disposal volume ofindustrial waste in each industry, setting up the abovementioned target for the entire
business community and engage in efforts to further promote the 3Rs.
(2) Setting up industry-specific targets
Each industry newly set up individual targets using indicators other than the final
disposal volume of industrial waste, further enhancing voluntary approaches to theestablishment of a sound material-cycle society. Industry-specific targets include
improved recycling rates, reduced waste generation and increased use of waste from otherindustrial processes.
Summary－28

3. Formulating the post-fiscal 2010 Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment(Section on the Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle Society)(December 2010)
The second target for reducing final disposal volumes of industrial waste had
established fiscal 2010 as its “target fiscal year.” In December 2010, for the continued
voluntary and active promotion of the 3Rs beyond fiscal 2010, Keidanren formulated arenewed Plan embracing the two following pillars and scheduled follow-up surveys: 1)
setting up the Third Target for reductions in the final disposal volume of industrial waste
across the entire business community with fiscal 2015 as the target year: 65% below the
fiscal 2000 performance level of final disposal volume of industrial waste in fiscal 2015
(third target); and 2) establishing industry-specific targets accommodating industrial
features.
4. Formulating the post-fiscal 2015 Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing aSound Material-Cycle Society (March 2016)
Welcoming the “target fiscal year” for the Third Target in March 2016, with a view tocontinuing voluntary and active promotion of the 3Rs, Keidanren formulated a new postfiscal 2015 Plan, which would be subject to annual follow-up surveys. The new targets
are provided below (see Attachment 2 for details):(1) Fourth target for economy-wide reductions in final disposal volume of industrial waste
Aim to reduce by fiscal 2020, the final disposal volume of industrial waste
appropriately treated with consideration of the achievement of a low-carbon society byaround 70% from the actual performance level in fiscal 2000.
(2) Enhancing industry-specific targets to improve quality of resource circulation
5. Setting up industry-specific plastic-related targets (April 2019)
From April 2019, organizations and companies participating in the Keidanren
Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society considered targets
that would contribute to resolving marine plastic litter issues and promote plastic resource
circulation (industry-specific plastic-related targets) from the perspective of deepening
voluntary approaches by the business community.

Summary－29

<Reference 2>
Formulating the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle
Society for fiscal years beyond 2015 (March 2016)
March 15, 2016
Keidanren（Japan Business Federation）
1. Continuing and renaming the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment
The Keidanren Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on the
Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle Society) has endeavored to meet the economywide target to "reduce the final disposal volume of industrial waste in fiscal 2015 by 65%
from the fiscal 2000 performance level” (third target) with the participation of 41
industries.
Given the need for ongoing efforts toward establishing a sound material-cycle society,the business community will engage in voluntary efforts beyond fiscal 2015 and seek tocommunicate industrial efforts to the public at large by continuing the voluntary approach
under a renewed name: the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound MaterialCycle Society*.
* Since 1997, the Keidanren Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment comprised the Section on Global
Warming Measures and the Section on the Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle Society. Given
the reorganization of the Section on Global Warming Measures into the Keidanren Commitment toa Low Carbon Society in January 2013, the Section on the Establishment of a Sound Material-Cycle
Society will also change its name.

2. Outline of post-2015 Voluntary Action Plan
(1) Economy-wide target for continued efforts to reduce final disposal volume ofindustrial waste① The Voluntary Action Plan set up an economy-wide target to reduce the final disposal
volume of industrial waste. The target was renewed three times in order to pursue
higher targets and as a result, the final disposal volume in fiscal 2014 marked areduction of 73% from the fiscal 2000 level (91% reduction from the fiscal 1990
level). Through such efforts, the Plan has contributed to improving the pressing
situation regarding the availability of final disposal sites that had challenged Japan in
the 1990s (the years of remaining industrial waste final disposal capacity increased
from just two years in the 1990s to approximately 14 years in fiscal 2012).
② In recent years, efforts by business operators to further reductions in the final
disposal volume of industrial waste have been approaching their limits; and therefore
the pace of reductions has slowed down. It has been pointed out that with the Tokyo
Olympics and Paralympics Games to be hosted in Japan, the final disposal volume ofindustrial waste is likely to increase.

Summary－30

③ Amid such circumstances, the Japanese business community has set up the following
economy-wide target under the idea that it “will not increase the final disposal
amount of industrial waste above the current level” to continue to engage in
reduction efforts.
Aim to reduce by fiscal 2020, the final disposal volume of appropriately treatedindustrial waste by 70% from the actual performance level in fiscal 2000 withconsideration of the achievement of a low-carbon society** Some industries point out that further reductions in the final disposal volume may increase energy use
and in turn cause regression in the achievement of a low-carbon society or increase waste
requiring final disposal as a result of tightened environmental regulations. Under such restrictions,
it was decided that it should be indicated that efforts to reduce final disposal volume would becontinued with consideration of reducing environmental burden by providing for “the final
disposal volume of industrial waste appropriately treated with consideration of the achievementof a low-carbon society.”* In case of large changes in the socioeconomic situation, the target will be reviewed as required after
fiscal 2016.

(2) Industry-specific targets with a view to improving the quality of resource circulation①Given their differences in industrial characteristics and circumstances, industries arequite varied in their approaches, including the 3Rs, toward establishing a soundmaterial-cycle society; and therefore it is difficult to determine an economy-widetarget other than reductions in final disposal volume. Therefore, under the Keidanren
Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment, industrial organizations have set up“industry-specific targets” since fiscal 2006 to voluntarily engage in establishing asound material-cycle society.
In the medium- to long-term, amid global constraints on resource availability, Japan,
with very limited natural resources, is particularly challenged with resource issues in
its endeavors to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development. We need topromote measures focused on the quality of resource circulation for the efficient use
of limited resources. A few examples of such measures are curbing the consumptionof natural resources and reducing environmental burden.
②Therefore, in the post-fiscal 2015 Voluntary Action Plan, we will set up appropriate
industry-specific targets accommodating industrial characteristics and circumstances,in addition to the final disposal volume target. We will consider shifting toquantitative targets aiming to improve the quality of resource circulation, to thefurthest extent possible. When it is difficult to set up a qualitative target, we will set
up qualitative targets that will serve the purpose of improving the material cycle andreport the progress achieved in the annual Industry-specific Report.
③Industries have set up individual targets as indicated in the appendix (omitted) to
improve the quality of resource circulation. Some examples are: pursuing addedvalue through the use of byproducts generated in the manufacturing process as raw
Summary－31

materials, promoting the use of high-performance recycling facilities with highrecycling rates and waste reduction rates, and reducing the amount of industrial waste
generated by reducing construction material input at the planning stage.
④ Some industries have yet to determine an industry-specific target. We are determined
to present a clearer view of our concept of improving the quality of resource
circulation and continue our endeavors to enhance industry-specific targets that willserve this purpose.

Summary－32